Diagnosing lyme with nursing toddler

Dear Stephen,
I have been told I have lyme disease by one doctor, and that I do not from another doctor. Both have based it on my lab work, history, and genetic sensitivity. I do not know how to proceed, nor how to go about getting an accurate opinion from someone else. Someone has told me about a test from Igenex which is very expensive itself. Please, please, please tell me your opinion on how I should proceed, or provide me with the name of someone who can help in determining if I truly have lyme disease. I have a toddler that I am still nursing infrequently and simply not sure what to do! I live in Virginia. Thank you so much for your time and help!

Stephen’s response:
This all depends on your symptoms. If you have symptoms that are serious and debilitating, then something needs to be done to help your body begin correcting the problems. If you are only experiencing mild symptoms then you can find a list of the major symptoms in the new edition of the lyme book and can create your own protocol to see if it helps (or find a good herbalist, there are many in Virginia). Just check side effects for the herbs for nursing, also in the book.

Stephen

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17 Comments

Sharon
on January 1, 2017 at 4:28 pm

Dear Stephen,
I recently purchased your updated “Healing Lyme” book after having just prior to that purchased the 1st edition, as I wasn’t aware that an updated version was coming out. I purchased a good deal of the suggested herbs/supps from the 1st edition, and I’m wondering if you still recommend the use of supplements like pregnenolone, DHEA, Huperzine A, and Vinpocetine, or is there now some reason I should avoid these? Thank you in advance for your response.
Sharon

Forgive me for asking this question, but I have looked thoroughly at the new edition of Healing Lyme and I do not see any herbs that have contraindications for breastfeeding. I only see those that are contraindicated for pregnancy. Do I assume these are also not safe for breastfeeding a toddler 2-3x day? Thanks.

I’m with you on this one!! So, I enlisted the help of a Natuorpathic doctor (who is also currently breastfeeding). None of the herbs are going to hurt the baby in the doses that Buhner recommends. However, where my ND has some concerns are with the herbs than can alter hormones. For example, she cautioned me to stay away from cordyceps because they can alter your testosterone levels – while that can be very helpful in Lyme, it can have a negative effect on your milk supply. Buhner puts enough in his book that, I believe, you can come up with your own protocol and not need to spend money on a LLMD or even worry about an LLND. I would suggest rather that you look for a natuorpath in your area who at least knows about Buhner to work with you on deciding which herbs you should avoid while breastfeeding so they don’t affect your milk supply.

Sorry, one more thing. I discovered and have been using the ‘Sway test’ for all herbs AND dosage since treating Lyme and Bart while breastfeeding. It has worked very well since I started using it and has told me on more than one occasion that my body did not want a certain herb (Cat’s Claw being one of them) without have to experience adverse side effects and worry about my baby having them as well. You can lear more about the ‘sway test’ here:http://www.tapintoheaven.com/2stuff/stufstest.shtml
I have no affiliation with this website btw – just found the info useful!

Hi there. I am not certain if you are still taking questions. Can you recommend an herbalist ‘in the city’ of Chicago? I would greatly appreciate it. I have POTS Syndrome and Neurally Mediated Hypo-tension. I also recently tested positive for Lyme on a t-cell test however, I am not ‘sold’ I have Lyme. My primary symptoms are fatigue and head/neck pain. Thank you, Kelly

Dear Stephen,
Thank you for your wonderful work and tireless passion and even making me laugh amidst challenging times when reading your book!
Can you suggest which of your protocols to implement first when treating a 3yr old for
Borrelia/ Babesia/ Bartonella possible Mycoplasma/ possible TBE/virus,
with MTHR A1298, and HLA coeliac gene
Bitten 2years ago.
Thank you,
Bless

hi steve–both of us had just come to Elliot lake, Ontario and seemed to get lyme(Borrelia) right away–we went with herbals–antibiotics cant penetrate the brain, eyeballs, joint capsules. we used ryfe machine for months, ate no sugar/syrup/ etc as it is the food of bacteria. we used lots of recommended supplements–we r well again thanks steve

Is anyone aware of research (or even anecdotal information) that links transmission of the Borrelia bacterium to mosquitoes or other insects? I’ve seen some references to insects being able to carry the bacterium but nothing that confirms actual transmission.

Disclaimer

The assistance of a qualified health care provider familiar with all dosage outlines, contraindications, and herb/drug interactions outlined in Healing Lyme, and familar with your personal health history and current symptoms is strongly suggested. Nothing in this column is intended to replace the expertise and care of a qualified health care practitioner. The material is intended for educational purposes only.